A new Australian-developed software platform called Searchr.TV has launched today and it can bring together content from free to air catch up apps and the most popular streaming services in one place.
And not only does it aggregate all your content it also become a powerful search engine to find movies, TV shows, sport and news thanks to deep links to IMDB (Internet Movie Database).
On the news side, Searchr.TV has partnered with Lead Story, one of Australia’s leading news platforms, and brings together 16 global publishers for breaking news content, sports and programming for children.
Searchr.TV can be downloaded via the Google Play Store on compatible smart TVs and on Google Chromecast.
It can also be viewed on smartphones, tablets and on computers through all browsers.
Apps for iOS and Android are still in development and will be released in the coming weeks.
More than 50 per cent of viewers watch their content on mobile, tablets and computers so the product was adapted to work on these devices despite starting out with plans as a platform just for smart TVs.
Searchr.TV allows users to search for across 15 different platforms including free-to-air and paid streaming platforms and then link directly to that content on the respective when they want to watch.
Customers can perform different searches based on interests, TV or movies and durations.
A dedicated smart TV app is also in the works for Samsung, LG, Hisense and Apple TV.
Searchr.TV can be used by multiple people in different locations at the same time so there is no restriction outside your household.
“Users log into their Searchr.TV to browse and search for what they want to watch, using specialised filters like actor, genre, time, rating, year and more,” says managing director Tim Wheeler.
“Once they find what they want to watch, they choose which platform they would like to watch the content on, and it takes you directly to the streaming platform.
“The very first time you are directed to a streaming platform through Searchr.TV, you may have to log into your streaming account, but from then on it will be automatically logged in.”
At launch Searchr.TV will be able to stream data streamed from Netflix, Disney+, AppleTV, Paramount+, Stan, iTunes, Hayu, BritBox, TelstraTV, 7+, 10Play, 9Now, ABC iView, SBS OnDemand and DocPlay.
Searchr.TV will offer all available streaming options, allowing users to select the platform to which they have a subscription or prefer.
It has also formed a partnership with LeadStory, which has 16 global publishers providing breaking news.
Searchr.TV does not take over the billing of your streaming services and so it will not be offering a bundle discount.
“It is a separate service that aggregates all content in one place,” Wheeler says.
“It lets users search for content using specific filters and deep links directly to streaming platforms and can be used by multiple people on multiple devices simultaneously.
“It also provides personalised content discovery through its powerful AI recommendation engine.
“This also allows Searchr.TV to remain unbiased and serve up content that is right for the users, not what is pushed by the publisher.”
Searchr.TV is available for as little as $2.50 per month. New users can enjoy a free 14 day trial.
Searchr.TV will also roll out a special introductory offer of three free months with any annual subscription which priced at $29.95.